Frequently Asked Questions
Why
should I hire a doula?
Childbirth can be a scary thing, especially for first timers. A
doula tends to be a woman that has already given birth and she
can help take away some (if not all) of that fear. Doulas can
make a difference in the outcome of your birth. Here are a few
examples taken from the book Mothering the Mother: How a
Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth,
by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993):
-
50% reduction in the caesarean
rate
-
25% shorter labor
-
60% reduction in epidural
requests
-
40% reduction in oxytocin use
-
30% reduction in analgesia use
-
40% reduction in forceps delivery
Is a doula a midwife?
No! A doula does not perform any clinical or medical procedures.
A doula is there to support you through your labour and birth
and to help you know and understand your birth choices.
Do you come to my home when I'm in labour?
This would be entirely up to you. Most women prefer their doula
to meet them at their home and stay with them whilst they labour
until it is time to go to the hospital. They often find comfort
in having the doula travel to hospital with them.
What about my partner? Won’t the doula take their place?
No! The doula is there to support you and your partner. A
good doula knows not to interrupt the vital interaction between
a woman and her partner.
Who needs a postnatal doula?
Or better yet; who deserves a postnatal doula? You and every
woman who has just given birth deserves to be cared for. You
deserve time to spend exclusively with your new child, and time
to rest and recuperate, without household chores on your mind. A
sympathetic ear from a caring professional is also helpful.
When should I begin to look for a postnatal doula?
Between the 4th and 6th month is an ideal time to interview with
your prospective doula. This allows you to focus on your birth,
feeling secure in the knowledge that you have help in place for
the first few weeks, after your baby is born. Any time right up
to your ninth month is a fine time to call, please remember a
postnatal doula's schedule can fill up months in advance.
What if my baby is already here and I have discovered I
need help?
Call and I will do my best to provide you with this specialised
care.
What is the difference between a postnatal doula, a nanny,
and a maternity nurse?
A nanny normally cares for babies, and children exclusively. A
maternity nurse will also care exclusively for the baby. A
postnatal doula is a nonmedical professional. A postnatal doula
specialises in the care of you, the mother, the household and
siblings; offering help with the baby when needed. She is there
to empower you to be the mother that you want to be.
I already have children, and am confident in my baby
skills, how can a postnatal doula help me?
Siblings need extra attention while you get to know your new
child. Your doula will put together simple meals and perform
light chores, such as, empty the dishwasher and fill your
freezer for starters. They will also help you sort out the
challenges a new family member can bring.
This is my first baby and I would like help with baby
care.
Postnatal doulas love newborn babies and it is our pleasure to
offer guidance with everything from breastfeeding, to bath time,
nappy changing and swaddling. They are also well educated in the
current baby care techniques and child related topics. Your
doula will be happy to care for your baby while you nap or
shower.
What if I can't afford the cost?
Relatives, such as grandparents are often glad to pay for this
much needed service. Groups, such as coworkers, or friends will
sometimes get together to offer this wonderful gift. I currently
offer gift vouchers, A Gift Of Love.
Contact me
for more details.
This is such a private time for my family, how can I be
sure I will feel comfortable with a doula?
Interview any doulas you are interested in, then call their past
clients for references. Postnatal doulas work in many different
homes in the course of a year. It becomes second nature to 'fit
in' with many different styles of families.
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